A routine day of filming for Emily in Paris in the heart of Venice turned into a moment of profound loss when Diego Borella, a beloved assistant director, collapsed on set and later died at the age of 47.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at the historic Hotel Danieli, where the crew was preparing a scene for Season 5 of the hit Netflix series. Around 7:00 p.m., Borella suddenly fell ill. Medics from the production team rushed to help, performing emergency resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Local reports indicate the cause was a sudden cardiac arrest.
Paramount Television Studios confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to Variety:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a cherished member of the ‘Emily in Paris’ production family. Our hearts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Borella, a native of Venice, was serving as a third assistant director and had been locally hired for the Italian leg of the production. His deep roots in the city’s creative world made him a familiar and respected figure among local crews and artists.
The news sent shockwaves through the cast and crew.
Filming was immediately suspended for the weekend as the team came to terms with the loss of a colleague many had worked alongside for years. On set, silence replaced the usual energy — a somber reminder of how fragile life can be, even in the middle of a dreamlike production.
Friends and colleagues in Venice remembered Borella not just as a skilled professional, but as a vibrant soul with a passion for storytelling in all its forms.
Actor and artist Mattia Berto, a longtime friend, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“I have beautiful memories of Diego — a stylish, elegant man with a brilliant mind and a sharp sense of humor. His life was cut short far too soon. All I feel is deep sorrow.”
Venice’s tourism councilor, Simone Venturini, also honored Borella, calling him a “respected professional, admired across the industry,” and extended the city’s condolences to his family and coworkers.
Borella’s career spanned far beyond television.
Though best known in recent years for his work on international productions like Emily in Paris, he had a rich and diverse background in film, theater, literature, and poetry. He lived and worked in major cultural hubs — including Rome, London, New York, and Venice — and in recent years had turned his creative focus to writing, particularly children’s stories and poetry.
Described by friends as a passionate traveler and a multidisciplinary artist, Borella brought depth and artistry to every project he touched. His death in his hometown — on a film set, doing the work he loved — has left a void in the artistic community.
In the aftermath, Paramount released a second statement honoring Borella’s memory and confirming that production would pause temporarily. Filming resumed over the weekend, with the team returning to work in his honor.
Season 5 remains on schedule for its December 18 premiere, despite the tragedy.
This season marks a major expansion for the series, following Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins) as she splits her time between Paris and Italy. The storyline picks up after her romantic involvement with an Italian fashion heir in Season 4, leading her to open a new branch of Agence Grateau in Rome — while also filming key scenes in Venice, including dreamy sequences along the canals.
Creator Darren Star described the new season as a fresh chapter, designed to evolve Emily’s journey beyond France and give the show a broader, more global feel — while keeping the iconic title intact.
The move has been met with excitement. Season 4 was one of the show’s most successful, landing at the top of Netflix’s Global Top 10 with nearly 20 million views in its first four days and staying on the list for four consecutive weeks.
New cast members have joined for Season 5, and Collins has already shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from the Italian sets — images that now carry a deeper weight, knowing one of the team didn’t make it home.
Diego Borella’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the human stories behind the glamour of film and television.
He wasn’t just a crew member.
He was a creator.
A poet.
A son of Venice.
And though his name may not appear in the credits as a lead, his presence — and loss — will be felt long after the final scene airs.
Rest in peace, Diego.